Portsmouth manager: 'City in great shape'

Thursday

May 27, 2010 at 3:15 AMMay 27, 2010 at 5:38 AM

BY RONI REINOrreino@fosters.com

PORTSMOUTH—On Wednesday, City Manager John Bohenko, Chief of Police David Ferland, Superintendent of Schools Ed McDonough and Fire Chief Christopher LeClair spoke on behalf of their departments during a State of the City address.

Bohenko provided a positive outlook for the city and its citizens. In the last year, there has been ample construction to improve city streets, buildings and walkways.

Earlier this year, the city manager proposed a budget for the 2011 fiscal year, which has raised much concern from residents. Portsmouth residents came out full swing earlier this month to discuss their concerns of closing the indoor swimming pool, school budget cuts and where money was being spent.

Bohenko added the city council has drastically reduced the original proposed budget by $2.2 million in the last few weeks. There are proposed cuts for all departments including reducing city employee staffing.

"This is one of the most difficult budgets I have seen in my fourteen years," Bohenko said.

Included in his speech, Bohenko praised the city for its low unemployment rate, which is below the state's rate, and its recently received high bond rating.

"I think the city of Portsmouth is in great shape," Bohenko said. "It has sustained economic growth."

Ferland's department, as with other departments, has felt the effects of budget cuts. This year, they are planning to lose two downtown positions to save money.

"We are feeling the effects of court furlough days and overcrowded jails," Ferland added.

In regard to the recent bomb threat in early May, Ferland and his staff were commended on how quickly they reacted. The FBI, Homeland Security, Gov. John Lynch and the US Attorney's office all supported how the department tackled the problem by closing streets and businesses that would have been affected if a bomb was found.

Referring to recent national terrorist threats, Ferland reminded attendees it is the city police that must be trained to handle these instances as well as government bodies.

"These types of events start at the local level," Ferland said.

The city faces problems with arrests and accidents daily. Within the area, there are over 100 liquor licenses. That is one place for every 200 that serves beer, liquor or wine.

With a strong and dedicated staff, Ferland said he is able to keep the city a safe place.

"We are vigilant with our sex offenders," he added.

Police paid surprise visits to the 25 sex offenders in the area to ensure addresses and information was correctly provided this past year. The department is expected to reduce its staff to save the city money, but intends to stay strong, he said.

McDonough was pleased to announce this year 88 percent of third- through fifth-graders in the Portsmouth school district were proficient in reading. It is his hope by 2014 he can announce all students are proficient in reading.

"What matters is the quality of teachers," he said."We're about setting internal accountability."

McDonough added although there will be budget cuts and possible teaching cuts, the focus is to keep teachers up to the correct standards and to process student development. By setting internal accountability, teachers can work together to adjust classroom and program material from within the school system.

"We've had a wonderful year," he said.

LeClair spoke about the fires, natural disasters and many motor vehicle accidents the fire department has assisted with in the last year.

"I've heard people say they don't see big fires on the front of the paper anymore," LeClair said. "And we don't want to."

The cost of fire damage has lowered due to quick response times and properly staffed stations. LeClair suggests properly staffed stations, modern equipment and well-trained staff can put out fires quicker and safer.

The department recently opened its new LEED-certified station on Layfayette Road. The modern facility is built to last 50 plus years and incorporates "green" products and equipment to lower costs and reduce environmental effects.

"It's the first station in 42 years built in the city," he said.

Portsmouth has also been commended for taking the initiative to look into emergency evacuation routes. Currently, the area needs planned routes for disaster situations. The fire department has received grants to begin planning. There will be a meeting at the Portsmouth High School on June 8 at 6 p.m. open to the public to discuss the situation.

President of the Chamber of Commerce Doug Bates finished with the knowledge that Portsmouth's decisions expand beyond the city's limits. With its regional efforts within other communities, where the city spends its money and changes to its staffing affects those around it.

"Don't forget our neighbors," Bates said. "What we do within the city affects Dover and other towns."

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